Florida Blue Florida Classic Celebrates 28th Game in Orlando with Strong Community and Corporate Support
ORLANDO, Florida (Friday, Nov. 14, 2025) — Florida A&M University and Bethune-Cookman University are thrilled to announce a robust roster of corporate and community partners for the 2025 Florida Blue Florida Classic. Leading this impressive list are long-standing sponsor Florida Blue and new partner IKEA, two of nearly two dozen companies backing college football’s premier HBCU rivalry this year.
For the 15th season, Florida Blue, the state’s Blue Cross Blue Shield plan, continues its commitment as the Florida Classic title partner. Revenue generated from the Florida Blue Florida Classic game and its ancillary events is invested in scholarships and other academic opportunities for both participating universities.
“We’re extremely proud to support Florida’s HBCUs and enjoy our ongoing partnership with FAMU and B-CU to help strengthen and expand student learning opportunities at both institutions,” said Tony Jenkins, Central Florida Market President, Florida Blue. “In addition, we’re excited to continue providing support through the annual Florida Classic game and festivities. Florida Blue remains dedicated to advancing educational excellence and opportunities for these future leaders and the many communities they serve, fostering a brighter future for all.”
Disney on the Yard, which has a longstanding tradition of supporting HBCU education and advancement, also returns as the official halftime sponsor for this year’s game. Two of the world’s most iconic marching bands will provide the soundtrack as Florida A&M’s Marching “100” and Bethune-Cookman’s Marching Wildcats highlight the Disney on the Yard Halftime Show at the 2025 Florida Blue Florida Classic.
“Disney on the Yard represents our commitment to cultivating talent from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs),” said Avis Lewis, VP Human Resources, Walt Disney Imagineering and Disney Parks International, who also serves as an executive champion of this work. “The initiative, strengthened by our collaboration with numerous institutions such as Bethune-Cookman University and Florida A&M University, allows us to expand access and opportunities for students and help to shape a future where opportunity is accessible to all.”
Established in 1978, the Classic moved to Central Florida in 1997, introducing a new model where the two universities own the event entirely. The Florida Classic is currently one of the only HBCU rivalries owned and operated by its participating teams, with corporate support of the event benefiting the universities directly.
Returning sponsors, in addition to Florida Blue and Disney on the Yard, are AT&T, the City of Orlando, Orange County, the Downtown Development Board, Cricket Wireless, Evok Advertising, Florida Lottery Bright Futures, Ford, Home Depot, Pepsi, Publix, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Tobacco Free Florida, US Army, Visit Orlando, VyStar Credit Union and Wells Fargo.
In addition to their ongoing support of the game, several of these partners play key roles across the weekend’s signature events. Wells Fargo will serve as the presenting sponsor of the inaugural Florida Classic Golf Tournament on Thursday, Nov. 20, while VyStar Credit Union returns as the presenting sponsor of the VIP Welcome Reception that evening. On Friday, Nov. 21, Publix will once again present the Florida Blue Battle of the Bands at Kia Center, one of the most anticipated traditions of Classic Weekend.
“Publix understands the power of education to change lives, and we’re committed to fostering environments where students can learn and thrive,” said Hannah Herring, Publix media relations manager. “We are proud to return as a sponsor of the Florida Classic and continue our support of Florida’s HBCUs.”
Additional new sponsors joining IKEA in support of this year’s Florida Blue Florida Classic include AdventHealth and Good Molecules. As part of its Classic debut, IKEA will introduce the newly branded IKEA Club within the stadium’s club levels on gameday, with additional furnishings also incorporated into a special on-field viewing area at Friday’s Battle of the Bands.
“At IKEA, we believe in creating a better everyday life for the many people — and that includes showing up for the communities where we live and work,” said John Achillea, Market Manager at IKEA U.S. “We’re proud to support the Florida Classic and celebrate the spirit, pride, and connection it brings to students, alumni and fans of both Florida A&M University and Bethune Cookman University.”
Florida Citrus Sports, an Orlando-based not-for-profit organization known for organizing sports and entertainment events like the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, Pop-Tarts Bowl and FC Series, supports the Florida Classic Consortium in managing corporate partnerships for the Florida Classic. A full calendar of events is included below.
Thursday, Nov. 20:
Florida Classic Golf Tournament presented by Wells Fargo
Eagle Creek Golf Club
Florida Classic VIP Welcome Reception presented by VyStar Credit Union
Camping World Stadium
Friday, Nov. 21:
Florida Classic Consortium Kickoff Luncheon presented by Florida Blue
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
Florida Blue Battle of the Bands presented by Publix
Kia Center
Saturday, Nov. 22:
Tinker Field
Florida Blue Florida Classic Gameday
Camping World Stadium
This year’s game marks the 79th overall clash between the schools, who first met on the gridiron in 1925. Florida A&M leads the all-time series with Bethune-Cookman 53–24–1. It will be the 45th matchup under the current “Florida Classic” brand. FAMU won last year’s game 41-38, its fourth straight victory in the series, to improve to 25-19 since the Classic was established in 1978. The Rattlers also hold a 14-13 advantage over the Wildcats since the Florida Classic made Orlando its permanent home in 1997.
The Florida Classic has become a staple in Orlando over the past three decades, drawing nearly 60,000 spectators to Camping World Stadium each fall and generating an estimated annual economic impact of $30 million. Since relocating to Central Florida, the Classic has welcomed more than 1.5 million fans; the event also holds the Camping World Stadium football attendance record (73,358), set in 2003.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit FloridaClassic.org. Florida Classic media assets including a media guide, event details, logos, photos, B-roll and our 2025 Florida Blue Florida Classic fact sheet can be found on the event media FTP.
About FCS
FCS is a not-for-profit event management organization dedicated to positively impacting the Orlando region while enhancing the quality of life in Central Florida through world-class events, including the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, the Pop-Tarts Bowl, the Florida Blue Florida Classic, the Camping World Kickoff and the FC Series. For more information, visit FloridaCitrusSports.com.
About Florida Blue
Florida Blue, Florida’s Blue Cross and Blue Shield company, has been providing health insurance to residents of Florida for 75 years. Driven by its mission of helping people and communities achieve better health, the company serves more than 5 million health care members across the state. In total, Florida Blue and its affiliated companies serve 27 million people in 35 states. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., it is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.